Game of Life

Designing community engagement tools

 “When there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.”

- Richard Coutts

What is it? 

To promote meaningful engagement, Baca Architects has developed an interactive board game that brings together local and government stakeholders. This tool enables municipalities, developers, and residents to collaboratively explore the balance between commercial, residential, and community needs, while addressing the challenges of flood-prone areas. Incorporating innovative flood-risk design solutions, this suite of tools and training games supports decision-making for the creation of zero-carbon, climate-resilient communities. 

This toolkit is adaptable and has been deployed in New Orleans, post Katrina with the Department of Homeland Security and Preparedness, at an RIBA workshop with the Japanese Embassy following the 2010 Tsunami and by the Environment Agency in the UK both as organisational training tool internally and on several Baca Projects in the UK and wider Europe. (Winner of EU Regional Star Awards).

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Objective

How would you prioritise the building and amenity assets within the site boundary and flood proof the assets most at risk​

Effective Engagement

Developments located next to the coast and/or rivers face competing challenges. Generally, more housing is required in our towns and cities – with the densification requires space for car parking, space for play, space for biological net gains and space for flood water when it comes. The toolkit enables communities to help unlock a sites full potential for development whilst delivering the necessary density, mitigating flood risk and meeting ecological obligations. 

In the game, much like in LifE, not all the pieces fit perfectly. Compromises are necessary, helping all parties involved work toward an optimal solution that suits their needs.

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Why we developed it

FORESIGHT PLANNING. Innovative tools for community engagement play a cruicial role in the planning process because they help bring everyone together – from developers and local authorities to residents. These tools make it easier for people to get involved, share their thoughts, and better understand what’s being planned for their area. By offering fun, interactive ways to participate, they create an open space where everyone can have a say, regardless of their background or experience. 

RECOVERY PLANNING. In the immediate aftermath of a flood there is a natural tendency to want to construct flood walls and defences. However, history has shown that mother nature will prevail and space for water is needed in the built environment. Post Katrina, the toolkit help government agencies consider alternatives that informed longer term decision making.

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